The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has called on President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief Justice and other key stakeholders to urgently intervene to resolve the ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Senior Staff Association of Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG).
The Caucus said the industrial action, triggered by unresolved issues relating to the 2026 salary review, had persisted despite several engagements between the unions, Judicial Service Management and Government, warning that the continued disruption could undermine the administration of justice and impose further hardship on the public.
“The time for assurances without resolution is over. The time for meaningful action is now,” the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, stated in a petition to President Mahama.
He said JUSAG had announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026 that the strike would continue on Monday, November 9, 2026 adding that the situation had gone on for too long and required decisive leadership rather than another round of meetings and promises.
The Minority urged the President and Government, particularly the relevant ministries and the Ministry of Finance, to immediately engage the unions, address the outstanding salary review issues and provide a clear pathway towards resolving the impasse.
It argued that workers should not be made to feel that withdrawing their labour was the only way to have their concerns addressed, insisting that legitimate employment-related entitlements must be honoured.
The Caucus also questioned why workers continued to face uncertainty over their entitlements despite repeated assurances of economic recovery.
“Economic recovery must mean something to ordinary working people,” the petition stated, adding that fiscal discipline should not become a permanent explanation for leaving workers in uncertainty.
The Minority further appealed to the Chief Justice and Judicial Service Management to demonstrate stronger commitment to the welfare of staff and intensify engagement with Government and the unions.
It expressed concern that Judicial Service workers felt their institution was not standing firmly enough with them, arguing that their welfare and dignity should not be treated as an inconvenience or a matter to be transferred entirely to Government.
According to the petition, the work of judicial staff in court registries and administrative offices was essential to the effective functioning of the justice system, although their contributions were often less visible than those of judges and magistrates.
The Caucus consequently called on the Chief Justice to demonstrate, through practical action, that the concerns of staff were receiving serious attention.
It also raised concerns about the implications of the dispute for judicial independence, arguing that the Judiciary must protect its institutional interests and should not appear to subordinate them to the convenience of the Executive.
“The separation of powers must not remain a principle that lives only in textbooks or is invoked only when politically convenient,” the petition stated.
The Minority warned that the continued industrial action was also affecting members of the public who depend on the courts for the resolution of disputes.
It cited families awaiting custody decisions, individuals involved in property disputes, businesses seeking to recover debts and persons whose liberty depended on timely court hearings as some of those who could suffer from prolonged disruption.
The Caucus maintained that the legitimate concerns of workers must be addressed while measures are taken to ensure that citizens are not left to bear the consequences of the industrial action indefinitely.
As part of its proposed interventions, the Minority urged the Chief of Staff and Jubilee House to provide immediate high-level coordination to prevent the matter from drifting between ministries without a concrete resolution.
It also called on the Speaker and Leadership of Parliament to facilitate urgent engagements through parliamentary leadership and relevant committees and exercise their oversight responsibilities to help resolve the dispute.
The Chief Justice and Judicial Service Management were urged to renew their commitment to staff welfare and intensify discussions with Government and JUSAG leadership.
The Minority also appealed to JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain committed to constructive engagement while pursuing a fair settlement that protects the welfare and dignity of their members.
Mr Asiedu Bekoe said the Minority would use all legitimate means available to it, including parliamentary engagement, oversight and public advocacy, to push for a resolution.
The Caucus said it was not asking workers to abandon their legitimate demands for the convenience of Government or expecting the public to endure prolonged disruption to the administration of justice.
It expressed hope that Judicial Service workers would return to their offices knowing that their concerns had been heard and their dignity respected, while citizens could access the courts without further disruption.
